GERD

More than 100 million people in the U.S.A. today suffer from
long-term, recurrent gastrointestinal problems. One of the more common
digestive disorders is Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD). Although over-the-counter medications are available for
the treatment of GERD, many of these remedies do not have long-term beneficial
effects and many people need to see their doctor for stronger medications,
while others may even need surgery to alleviate symptoms. Changing your diet
can have significant beneficial effects on GERD and prevent the need for
invasive treatments.

More than 35 percent of adults in the United States are
thought to be suffering from GERD. Although this disorder can affect people of
all ages, it has been shown that the risk increases as people age and tends to
rise dramatically after age 40.

Symptoms

A
burning sensation in the chest;
this can also sometimes be felt at the back of the throat and may leave a
bitter or sour taste in the mouth

Pains
or tightness across your chest

Difficulty
or discomfort swallowing

Sore
throat or hoarseness

Dry,
unproductive cough

Regurgitation
of bile or food

Feeling
of a lump in the throat

Nausea
and/or vomiting

Causes

Stomach
Abnormalities

Smoking

Poor Diet

Enzyme
Deficiency

Some Medications

Genetics

Heliobacter
Pylori (h. Pylori)

How is It Diagnosed

Endoscopy

Biopsies

Esophagram

Throat
and Larynx Examination

Esophageal
Acid Test

Esophageal Manometry Test

Gastric
Emptying Test

Acid
Perfusion Test

Traditional Treatments

Antacids

Histamine-2 Blockers

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Coating Agents

Motility Agents

Companion Conditions

Barrett’s
syndrome

Esophageal cancer

Ulcers

Strictures

Hiatal
Hernia

Sliding
Hiatal Hernia

Para-esophageal
Hiatal Hernia

Hoarseness
of the Throat and Dry Cough

Asthma

Inflammation
of the Lungs

Sleep
Problems

Alternative Treatments

Nutritional
Therapy

Apple Cider Vinegar

Eating raw and organic vegetables is a great way to increase
your intake of digestive enzymes. Kevin Trudeau, author of More Natural Cures Revealed; Previously Censored Brand Named Products
that Cure Disease, recommends taking one tablespoon of raw apple cider
vinegar immediately before each meal to
help digestion and eliminate acid reflux.

Papaya

Papaya is a nutritious fruit that is rich in vitamins A, C,
E and K, carotenoids, antioxidants, Leutine, magnesium, copper and fiber. It
also contains protein-digestive enzymes papain and chymopapain. These enzymes
help to reduce inflammation. According to Dr. Lytton-Benard, Yale University,
people who have problems digesting meals that are high in protein can benefit
from eating fresh papaya or by taking papain supplements. These digestive
enzymes can also benefit GERD sufferers who may have nutritional deficiencies
due to impaired digestive processes.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are vital to the body’s absorption of
food. They are each specially designed to break food substances down into
simpler nutrients that can be easily digested. Although raw fruits and
vegetables contain digestive enzymes, they have only enough to help digest that
particular food; they have no extra to help with systemic support of your body.
This means that our bodies must produce the rest of the digestive enzymes we
need. If you are suffering with a digestive disorder such as GERD then your
gastrointestinal system is already working overtime to compensate for
nutritional deficiencies and in this case it may be advantageous to take a
digestive enzyme supplement. Plant based enzymes are more active than other
forms. The four most common plant based digestive enzymes available in
supplement form are protease, lipase, amylase and cellulase. Many plant-based
enzymes are produced from aspergillus, which is a type of fungus.

Enzymes are derived from aspergillus through a fermentation
process and are purified compounds which no longer contain any living
aspergillus cells. They have a long record of safe use in the food industry.
These enzymes can be taken with and between meals to help digestive processes.
They are natural to the body and only leave the digestive system when they have
expended their activity. In his book Digestive
Enzymes, Jeffery Bland explains how digestive enzymes work, how different
methods of cooking affects their bioavailability and how they become depleted
as we grow older. He also recommends how to make the most of enzyme
supplementation.

Folate (Folic Acid)

Folic acid is vital for the production and maintenance of
new cells. Because of impaired absorption, people suffering from GERD may be
deficient in folate. Folic acid can also
help prevent certain forms of cancer and heart attacks. As a daily supplement
the recommended daily intake of folate for adults is 400 micrograms. Natural
food sources include oranges, lentils, lima beans, spinach, asparagus and
beets.

Gamma Oryzanol

Gamma oryzanol is
extracted from rice bran oil and other grain oils such as barley and corn.
Marshall Editions, 1000 Cures for 200
Ailments: Integrated and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses,
recommends taking 150mg of gamma oryzanol three times a day on an empty stomach
to help repair the whole of the digestive system as well as improve the central
nervous system’s digestive control.

Garlic

When chopped and allowed to react with oxygen, garlic
produces allicin which has a wide range of health benefits including
anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also
shown garlic to have the natural ability to reduce inflammation and may
alleviate acid reflux. Dr. Joseph Mercola, founder of The Natural Health
Center, recommends adding two cloves of raw garlic to meals every day. If you
dislike the flavor, garlic can be taken as a supplement. The suggested daily
dosage for adults is 200mg.

Glutamine

Glutamine is an important source of nitrogen for the cells
in the small intestine. It helps promote healthy gastrointestinal function and
protect the lining of the stomach and intestines. It is also an important
antioxidant. It can improve the symptoms of Crohn’s disease by easing
inflammation and preventing ulcerations or lesions in the gastrointestinal
tract. It can be added to your diet by means of food sources or a daily
supplement. As a supplement the recommended daily intake for adults is 3-30
grams divided into separate doses. Natural food sources of glutamine include
oats, wheat, beef, chicken, salmon, tuna, herring, cod, hard cheese, milk and
eggs.

Green Drinks

As well as
containing many of the essential nutrients your body needs, green drinks are
also high in fiber which means that they aid absorption of nutrients from food
and help prevent constipation. Another important factor about green drinks is
that they are rich in chlorophyll. According to Dr. Robert Young, author of The
pH Miracle for Weight Loss, "chlorophyll
helps your blood deliver oxygen throughout the body, making stronger blood and
thus stronger cells."

There are a number of green drinks and supplements
available. These include:

Barley
grass

Wheat
grass

Spirulina

Chlorella

Blue-green
algae

Liquid
chlorophyll

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland,
which helps to regulate the sleep cycle. The gastrointestinal tract secretes
even more melatonin than the pineal gland so it is not surprising that recent
studies have shown a connection between this hormone and GERD. The studies
suggest that inadequate sleep could lead to an increased risk of GERD due to
insufficient production of melatonin. Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., author of
Your Stomach; What is Really Making you Miserable and What to Do
About It recommends 6 mg of melatonin after dinner to relieve symptoms of
heartburn.

Probiotics

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing live
beneficial bacteria. They are highly recommended if you are suffering from
GERD. There are more than 400 different species of microbacteria living
throughout the length of the human gastrointestinal tract. Although some of
them are pathogenic, many are beneficial if not essential and help to maintain
good digestive health by breaking down food and assisting with the absorption
of nutrients. Often GERD sufferers have an imbalance between the friendly and
pathogenic microbacteria and the harmful bugs start to overpopulate the
digestive system. This causes inflammation, acid reflux, ulcers and poor
nutrient absorption. Probiotic supplements contain live beneficial bacteria.
Taking them on a regular basis can help to replenish and rebalance your
bacterial ecosystem. They can also help to reduce the risk of other
complications that may arise from GERD. To be most effective it is recommended
that the probiotic supplement have a high content of live bacteria. The usual
measurement for probiotics is Colony Forming Units or CFUs. This refers to the
number of live bacteria present in each serving. The typical daily dosage
recommendation is 20 billion CFUs but can be up to 50 billion

Vitamin D

Dr. Joseph Mercola, M.D., stresses the importance of vitamin
D for the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux. He explains that although
sunshine is an ideal source of the essential vitamin, more than half of the
United States does not have adequate sunshine for most of the year. In this
case a vitamin D3 supplement is vital for stomach health.

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine in which
very fine needles are placed at specific points along the body – known as
meridians. Practitioner claims that these points on the surface of the skin are
conduits for the flow of qi or life energy and that they connect directly to
the internal organs. In a healthy body the qi is balanced and flows evenly
through the meridians, balancing and cleansing. When the body is unhealthy, the
flow of energy becomes blocked. The placement of acupuncture needles is
believed to unblock the energy and revitalize the organs. Studies have shown
some promise with the use of acupuncture for the treatment of GERD. The stimulation of certain acupuncture points
inhibits esophageal relaxation by up to 40 percent.

Yoga

Because yoga is more than just an exercise program it is
beneficial to total health. Not only does yoga increase flexibility and balance
it is also efficient at helping the body improve its absorption of nutrients
and to eliminate toxins. Practicing yoga may be highly beneficial for GERD
sufferers.

It can
help your body digest food more efficiently

It
will help you improve your lifestyle and promote a healthy routine

It
will improve your quality of sleep

It
will tone your muscles and organs to prevent GERD

It
will improve gastric and intestinal motility

It
will improve your emotional wellbeing

It
will reduce stress levels

Wellness Program

Lifestyle
Changes

Exercise – Regular
exercise is beneficial for overall health but moderate exercise can also
help to alleviate some of the symptoms of GERD. A number of studies have
shown that GERD sufferers who engage in regular exercise experienced fewer
symptoms of GERD than those who did not. It has been suggested that
exercise can help control GERD symptoms by reducing excess body weight and
promoting healthy metabolism. People who are obese are twice as likely to
experience reflux symptoms and almost three times as likely to develop
esophageal cancer as those who maintain a healthy body weight.

Stress Reduction– Eliminating
stress in not as tricky as you may think. Even during the most challenging
times of your life, you can control stress levels. If you are suffering
from GERD this is particularly important because elevated stress levels
can trigger heartburn and acid reflux by producing excessive amounts of
stomach acid.

Develop Healthy Eating Habits –
There are a number of simple but important dietary changes you can make in
order to reduce the symptoms of GERD. These include:

Only
eat when you are hungry

Do not
drink liquids while eating solid food

Do not
over eat

Incorporate
as much raw food into your diet as you can

Leave
an adequate space between meals

Don't miss meals or eat on the run

Eat small meals frequently throughout the day rather than having three or four large ones

Don't eat during the last two hours before bedtime

Talk with your Doctor

Why do you think GERD
is the cause of my symptoms?

What tests are used to
diagnose GERD?

How are other
conditions eliminated?

Which tests do you
recommend for me and why?

What treatments are
available?

Which treatments do
you recommend for me?

Will these treatments
have any adverse effects with medications that I am already taking?

How should I change my
diet?

How should I change my
lifestyle?

What complications may
I develop from GERD?

Dealing with the
Emotional Challenges of GERD

Though GERD is not caused by emotional problems, its
symptoms can be worsened by them. GERD also comes with its own set of emotional
challenges such as being able to function on a daily basis at work or at home
with the family. Your emotions can become severely strained if you have been
dealing with GERD over a long period of
time, have little support or are caring for an adult of infant with GERD. If
you are suffering yourself, you may want to consider joining a support group it
can be very beneficial to know that you are not the only person experiencing
these symptoms and a support group is also a good place to exchange information
and coping strategies. If your experience of GERD is making you anxious or
depressed, you may want to consider asking your doctor to refer you to a therapist.
He or she can be very helpful when you need someone to listen to you and to
advise you how to cope with symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Remedies

Homeopathy is an alternative therapy which treats patients
by means of heavily diluted preparations
that cause effects similar to the symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to
stimulate the body to heal itself. Mark Stengler N.D., a naturopath from La
Jolla, California, says that the correct homeopathic remedy can usually cure
acid reflux problems. The four most common homeopathic remedies for acid reflux
are:

Arsenicum album

This remedy is recommended if you are feeling restless, you
are having chills and are constantly thirsty, or if you have a burning
sensation in your stomach or chest.

Nux Vomica

This remedy is recommended if you are feeling stressed, you
are easily irritated and have tension in your neck and shoulders.

Lycopodium

This remedy is recommended if you are suffering from gas and
bloating or acid reflux that burns your throat.

Pulsatilla

This remedy is recommended if you are experiencing nausea
along with heartburn and you are experiencing acid reflux, particularly after
eating fatty foods.

You should seek the advice of a qualified homeopath before
taking any preparations.

Herbal Remedies

Aloe Vera

The intestinal cells need
regular nutrients in order to maintain a high immunity barrier. One of the most
important nutrients for this purpose is the amino acid L-glutamine. Aloe Vera
is rich in L-glutamine and so can enhance cell regeneration throughout the
intestinal lining. Leigh Erin Connealy,
M.D., specialist in integrative medicine, recommends an aloe vera leaf
supplement in combination with slippery elm, okra leaf and licorice root for
GERD sufferers who are being weaned from their prescription antacids to help
attain a full recovery.

Black radish (Raphanus
sativus)

Black radish is an ancient vegetable of the mustard family.
Its juice is extracted and used to promote liver function and bile production
and can reduce the effects of acid reflux and heartburn. It also contains a
high fiber content that encourages regular bowel movements. Studies on animals
have shown that by increasing the flow of bile, black radish improves the
digestive processes, specifically the digestion of fat.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a combination of enzymes found in the stem and
leaves of the pineapple plant. It helps the body absorb protein and so is
beneficial to the digestive processes. It can also help reduce inflammation of
the esophagus and intestinal lining. The suggested dosage is 250-750 mg, taken two or three times a day between meals.

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum
vulgare)

Fennel seeds are a great supplement to help combat the
symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. The Health Sciences Institute recommends
fennel seed to help relieve gas, bloating and gastrointestinal tension. The
suggested dose is 600mg per day before meals.

Fenugreek Seed

Fenugreek seed is an Indian herb.
The seeds, stems and leaves are used for
cooking because of their flavor and nutritional value. The seeds are rich in
carbohydrates, proteins, Vitamin A and C, iron, calcium and minerals.
This enables it to provide the body with energy and fiber as well as preventing
constipation, improving digestion and stimulating the functions of the liver,
spleen and gallbladder. According to Jonny Bowden, Ph.D.,
C.N.S., author ofThe Most Effective Natural Cures
on Earth, fenugreek also balances blood sugar levels.

Flaxseed (Linum bienne)

Flaxseed or linseed is the seed from the flax plant. It is
rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acid which both help to soften and bulk the
stool and facilitate the elimination of waste. Flaxseed also cleanses the colon
and continued use may help prevent colon cancer. It has the added benefits of
lowering cholesterol and triglycerides.Jean
Reinhardt-Martin’s book, Flax Your Way to
Better Health, not only reveals the fascinating history behind flax, but
also tells you where to find flax products and how to make your own meals with
flaxseed.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger acts as an anti-spasmodic, helps prevent vomiting,
and improves the tone of intestinal muscles. It also has a mild
anti-inflammatory action. Ginger is available in many different forms. Though
more research is currently needed, preliminary studies indicate that ginger is effective
in reducing symptoms of IBS. In his book Herbs
for Health and Healing, Peter Corn recommends peppermint tea blends that
also include soothing herbs such as mallow and burdock root.

Licorice

Licorice root supplement can help to repair stomach lining
that has been damaged by acid reflux and also to prevent ulcerations of the
stomach lining. Nutrition expert Mary Bove recommends deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) before meals to
soothe and heal inflamed esophageal tissue, help with digestive processes and
prevent constipation. The suggested dose is 350mg - 1,000 mg three times per
day with meals.

Mastica

Mastica is the resin extracted from a type of Greek
pistachio tree. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of
gastrointestinal disorders. It can also be used to treat Heliobacter pylori – the pathogen that causes ulcers. Although it
eradicates harmful gut bacteria, it does not affect the beneficial bacteria
that populate the intestines. It may also increase the protection of the
stomach lining and reduce inflammation.

Peppermint (Mintha piperita)

Peppermint, particularly in combination with caraway oil, is
able to soothe the muscles of the stomach and stimulate the production of bile,
which the body uses to digest fats. This enables food to pass through the
stomach quicker. As outlined in New
Choices in Natural Healing, edited by Bill Gottleib, the active extract
from peppermint oil in this case is believed to be menthol. Several studies
have shown that enteric-coated peppermint capsules are beneficial for the
treatment of ulcerative colitis symptoms
including stomach pain, gas bloating and diarrhea. The enteric coating on the
capsules prevents the peppermint oil from coming into direct contact with the
stomach lining, which means indigestion and heartburn are avoided. Capsules
should be taken as needed.

Turmeric is a tropical plant of the ginger family. In Eating Well For Optimum Health, Andrew
Weil describes how the active ingredient, curcumin, has been extracted from the
dried root and used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and how
beneficial it is for reducing inflammation. The suggested daily dose for adults
is between 180-500mg taken in 3-4 doses.

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